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Abstract:

A forceps plug includes a tubular plug main body, and a tubular fixing
member rotatably held on the outer periphery of the plug main body. The
inner peripheral surface of the fixing member is provided with a pair
engaging claws. A ratchet mechanism that allows the fixing member to move
to an incorporated location, an attachment position, a fixed position,
and a removal position in order, but stops further movement to a position
where the fixing member has moved once is provided between the inner
peripheral surface of the plug main body and the outer peripheral surface
of the fixing member. Since the fixing member of the used forceps plug
removed from a opening is stopped from being to the fixed position by the
ratchet mechanism, the fixing member cannot be fixed to the opening.
Reuse of the used forceps plug can be made impossible without being
accompanied by destruction.

Claims:

1. A plug body provided on the external surface of an endoscope and
attached to a tubular opening portion that leads to a channel within the
endoscope, the plug body comprising: a tubular plug main body into which
the opening portion is inserted; a tubular fixing member rotatably or
slidably held in the plug main body, having an insertion hole into which
the opening portion is inserted, and a claw provided on the inner
peripheral surface that forms the insertion hole, and movable to
respective positions including an engagement position where the claw
engages an engaged portion provided at an outer periphery of the opening
portion inserted into the insertion hole, and one or more non-engagement
positions where the claw does not engage the engaged portion, and a
ratchet mechanism provided in mutually opposed faces of the plug main
body and the fixing member, permitting the fixing member to be moved to
the respective positions in predetermined order, and stopping further
movement of the fixing member to a position where the fixing member has
moved once.

2. The plug body according to claim 1, wherein the non-engagement
position includes a removal position when the plug main body is removed
from the opening portion, and wherein the ratchet mechanism permits the
fixing member to move in order of the engagement position and the removal
position.

3. The plug body according to claim 2, wherein the fixing member is
rotatably held on the outer periphery of the plug main body, and has an
extending portion that extends to the downward side toward a deep side of
an opening of the opening portion beyond the plug main body, and the
extending portion is provided with the claw, wherein the non-engagement
position includes an attachment position when the opening portion is
inserted into the insertion hole, and wherein the ratchet mechanism
permits the fixing member to be rotated in a predetermined rotational
direction in order of the attachment position, the engagement position,
and the removal position and stops the rotation of the fixing member in a
reverse rotational direction opposite to the predetermined rotational
direction.

4. The plug body according to claim 3, wherein the ratchet mechanism has
a rotation stop that stops the fixing member from further rotating from
the removal position to the predetermined rotational direction.

5. The plug body according to claim 3, wherein an unused mark indicating
unused is provided at a position where the mark is exposed to the outside
when the fixing member is at the attachment position, or at a position
where the mark is covered with the plug main body when the fixing member
is at the engagement position or the removal position, on the external
surface of the fixing member.

6. The plug body according to claim 3, wherein a used mark indicating
used is provided at a position where the mark is exposed to the outside
when the fixing member is at the removal position, or at a position where
the mark is covered with the plug main body when the fixing member is at
the attachment position or the engagement position, on the external
surface of the fixing member.

7. The plug body according to claim 2, wherein the fixing member is held
on the inner periphery of the plug main body so as to be slidable along
the axial direction of the opening portion, and the removal position is a
position offset to the downward side toward the deep side of an opening
of the opening portion beyond the engagement position, and wherein the
inner periphery of the plug main body is provided with an engagement
releasing portion that releases the engagement between the claw and the
engaged portion when the fixing member has relatively moved to the
removal position from the engagement position with the removal
manipulation of pulling the plug main body in an upward direction toward
the near side of the opening of the opening portion.

8. The plug body according to claim 7, wherein the fixing member has an
arm portion formed by cutting out a portion of the fixing member, and
extending a considerable length in the axial direction, and having an end
on the downward side as a free end, and the free end is provided with the
claw, wherein the engagement releasing portion has a shape that protrudes
toward the claw from the position offset to the downward side with
respect to the claw, wherein when the fixing member has moved to the
removal position, the engagement between the claw and the engaged portion
is released as the engagement releasing portion presses the claw to
elastically deform the arm portion in a direction in which the claw is
kept away from the outer periphery of the opening portion.

9. The plug body according to claim 7, wherein the fixing member has an
arm portion formed by cutting out a portion of the fixing member, and
extending a considerable length in the axial direction, and having an end
on the downward side as a free end, wherein one face of the free end
facing the opening portion is provided with the claw, and the other face
opposite to the one face is provided with a protruding portion that
protrudes toward the inner periphery of the plug main body, and receives
the pressure from the inner periphery to elastically deform the arm
portion in a direction toward the outer periphery of the opening portion,
thereby maintaining a state where the claw is engaged with the engaged
portion, wherein the engagement releasing portion is a fitting groove
formed in the inner periphery of the plug main body and engaged with the
protruding portion when the fixing member has moved to the removal
position, and wherein the engagement between the claw and the engaged
portion is released as the arm portion restores to original shape of the
arm portion when the protruding portion fits to the fitting groove.

10. The plug body according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is
rotatably held on the inner periphery or outer periphery of the plug main
body, wherein the non-engagement position includes an attachment position
when the opening portion is inserted into the plug main body, wherein the
ratchet mechanism permits the fixing member to be rotated in a
predetermined rotational direction in order of the attachment position
and the engagement position, and stops the rotation of the fixing member
in a reverse rotational direction opposite to the predetermined
rotational direction, and wherein when the removal manipulation of
pulling the plug main body to the upward side toward the near side of the
opening of the opening portion is performed in a state where the fixing
member is at the engagement position, the claw is pressed against and
deflected by the engaged portion located on the upward side of the claw,
and thereby, the engagement between the claw and the engaged portion is
released to remove the plug main body from the opening portion.

11. The plug body according to claim 10, wherein the fixing member has an
extending portion that is rotatably held on the outer periphery of the
plug main body and extends closer to the direction of the opening portion
than the plug main body, and the claw is provided at the extending
portion.

12. The plug body according to claim 10, wherein the fixing member is
rotatably held on the inner periphery of the plug main body, wherein the
claw engages a guide groove that extends in an oblique direction from a
opening portion tip position offset in the reverse rotational direction
with respect to the engaged portion to the engaged portion, in the tip of
the opening portion when the fixing member is at the attachment position,
and wherein when the attachment manipulation of pressing the plug main
body against the opening portion after the engagement between the claw
and the guide groove is performed, the claw moves to the engaged portion
along the guide groove, and the fixing member rotates to the engagement
position from the attachment position with the movement of the claw.

13. The plug body according to claim 10, wherein the ratchet mechanism is
provided with a rotation stop that stops the fixing member from further
rotating from the engagement position to the predetermined rotational
direction.

14. The plug body according to claim 11, wherein the ratchet mechanism is
provided with a rotation stop that stops the fixing member from further
rotating from the engagement position to the predetermined rotational
direction.

15. An endoscope comprising: a manipulating part connected to a base end
portion of an insertion part to be inserted into a subject; a tubular
opening portion that is provided in the manipulating part and leads to a
channel inserted into the insertion part; and the plug body according to
claim 1 attached to the opening portion.

16. An endoscope comprising: a manipulating part connected to a base end
portion of an insertion part to be inserted into a subject; a tubular
opening portion that is provided in the manipulating part and leads to a
channel inserted into the insertion part; and the plug body according to
claim 2 attached to the opening portion.

17. An endoscope comprising: a manipulating part connected to a base end
portion of an insertion part to be inserted into a subject; a tubular
opening portion that is provided in the manipulating part and leads to a
channel inserted into the insertion part; and the plug body according to
claim 3 attached to the opening portion.

18. An endoscope comprising: a manipulating part connected to a base end
portion of an insertion part to be inserted into a subject; a tubular
opening portion that is provided in the manipulating part and leads to a
channel inserted into the insertion part; and the plug body according to
claim 4 attached to the opening portion.

19. An endoscope comprising: a manipulating part connected to a base end
portion of an insertion part to be inserted into a subject; a tubular
opening portion that is provided in the manipulating part and leads to a
channel inserted into the insertion part; and the plug body according to
claim 5 attached to the opening portion.

20. An endoscope comprising: a manipulating part connected to a base end
portion of an insertion part to be inserted into a subject; a tubular
opening portion that is provided in the manipulating part and leads to a
channel inserted into the insertion part; and the plug body according to
claim 6 attached to the opening portion.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a disposable plug body that is
attached to the opening portion of a channel of an endoscope and an
endoscope equipped with the plug body.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Until now, in the medical field, an insertion part of an endoscope
is inserted into the body of a patient to perform not only the
observation of the inside of the body, but also various kinds of
treatments on the parts being observed. Specifically, various kinds of
treatments, such as resection or collection of observed parts, are
performed by inserting various treatment tools, such as forceps and a
resection implement, through a forceps channel within the insertion part
from a forceps port opening (opening portion) provided at a manipulating
part of the endoscope, and projecting the treatment tools from the tip of
the insertion part.

[0005] A forceps plug through which a treatment tool can be inserted when
a treatment is performed is mounted on the forceps port opening (refer to
JP1991-042275A (JP-H03-042275A) and JP1990-283345A (JP-H02-283345A)).
This forceps plug prevents body fluid, filth, air, or the like in the
body from flowing back within the forceps channel and leaking out to the
outside from the forceps port opening, due to changes in internal
pressure within the body. As such a forceps plug, a disposable forceps
plug in which reuse is impossible is general so as to be replaced with a
new one for each use from a viewpoint of prevention of infection due to
adhesion of body fluid or the like.

[0006] JP2008-043774A discloses a forceps plug that becomes removable from
the forceps opening by breaking a portion of the plug body. Additionally,
JP2006-055446A discloses a forceps plug including a plug main body and an
engaging portion that engages a forceps port opening and having a notch
formed therebetween. In this forceps plug, the portion between the plug
main body and the engaged portion is broken by the pulling manipulation
of the plug main body, and thereby reuse of the forceps plug becomes
impossible. In the forceps plugs of JP2008-043774A and JP2006-055446A,
reuse becomes impossible because the removal from the forceps port
opening is accompanied by destruction. As a result, a used forceps plug
is prevented from being erroneously reused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In the forceps plugs of Patent Documents JP2008-043774A and
JP2006-055446A, the removal from the forceps port opening is accompanied
by destruction. Thus, there is a concern that broken pieces produced by
this destruction might enter the forceps channel. In this case, a problem
occurs in that washing or disinfection treatment within the forceps
channel. Additionally, in the forceps plugs of JP2008-043774A and
JP2006-055446A, it is necessary to form a weakened part, such as a notch.
For this reason, when the forceps plug is attached to the forceps port
opening, there is a concern that a weakened part may be erroneously
destroyed.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned
problems and an object of the present invention is to provide a plug body
for an endoscope, such as a forceps plug, in which reuse becomes
impossible without being accompanied by destruction, and an endoscope
equipped with the plug body.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
provides a plug body provided on the external surface of an endoscope and
attached to a tubular opening portion that leads to a channel within the
endoscope. The plug body includes a tubular plug main body into which the
opening portion is inserted; a tubular fixing member rotatably or
slidably held in the plug main body, having an insertion hole into which
the opening portion is inserted, and a claw provided on the inner
peripheral surface that forms the insertion hole, and movable to
respective positions including an engagement position where the claw
engages an engaged portion provided at an outer periphery of the opening
portion inserted into the insertion hole, and one or more non-engagement
positions where the claw does not engage the engaged portion, and a
ratchet mechanism provided in mutually opposed faces of the plug main
body and the fixing member, permitting the fixing member to be moved to
the respective positions in predetermined order, and stopping further
movement of the fixing member to a position where the fixing member has
moved once. In addition, the tubular shapes means a hollow tubular shape,
and the cross-section orthogonal to the axis direction thereof is, for
example, circular, elliptical, polygonal, or the like.

[0010] Preferably, the non-engagement position includes a removal position
when the plug main body is removed from the opening portion, and the
ratchet mechanism permits the fixing member to move in order of the
engagement position and the removal position.

[0011] Preferably, the fixing member is rotatably held on the outer
periphery of the plug main body, and has an extending portion that
extends to the downward side toward a deep side of an opening of the
opening portion beyond the plug main body, and the extending portion is
provided with the claw, the non-engagement position includes an
attachment position when the opening portion is inserted into the
insertion hole, and the ratchet mechanism permits the fixing member to be
rotated in a predetermined rotational direction in order of the
attachment position, the engagement position, and the removal position
and stops the rotation of the fixing member in a reverse rotational
direction opposite to the predetermined rotational direction.

[0012] Preferably, the ratchet mechanism has a rotation stop that stops
the fixing member from further rotating from the removal position to the
predetermined rotational direction.

[0013] Preferably, an unused mark indicating unused is provided at a
position where the mark is exposed to the outside when the fixing member
is at the attachment position, or at a position where the mark is covered
with the plug main body when the fixing member is at the engagement
position or the removal position, on the external surface of the fixing
member.

[0014] Preferably, a used mark indicating used is provided at a position
where the mark is exposed to the outside when the fixing member is at the
removal position, or at a position where the mark is covered with the
plug main body when the fixing member is at the attachment position or
the engagement position, on the external surface of the fixing member.

[0015] Preferably, the fixing member is held on the inner periphery of the
plug main body so as to be slidable along the axial direction of the
opening portion, and the removal position is a position offset to the
deep side of an opening of the opening portion beyond the engagement
position, and the inner periphery of the plug main body is provided with
an engagement releasing portion that releases the engagement between the
claw and the engaged portion when the fixing member has relatively moved
to the removal position from the engagement position with the removal
manipulation of pulling the plug main body toward the near side of the
opening of the opening portion.

[0016] Preferably, the fixing member has an arm portion formed by cutting
out a portion of the fixing member, and extending a considerable length
in the axial direction, and having an end on the downward side as a free
end, and the free end is provided with the claw, the engagement releasing
portion has a shape that protrudes toward the claw from the position
offset to the downward side with respect to the claw, when the fixing
member has moved to the removal position, the engagement between the claw
and the engaged portion is released as the engagement releasing portion
presses the claw to elastically deform the arm portion in a direction in
which the claw is kept away from the outer periphery of the opening
portion.

[0017] Preferably, the fixing member has an arm portion formed by cutting
out a portion of the fixing member, and extending a considerable length
in the axial direction, and having an end on the downward side as a free
end, one face of the free end facing the opening portion is provided with
the claw, and the other face opposite to the one face is provided with a
protruding portion that protrudes toward the inner periphery of the plug
main body, and receives the pressure from the inner periphery to
elastically deform the arm portion in a direction toward the outer
periphery of the opening portion, thereby maintaining a state where the
claw is engaged with the engaged portion, the engagement releasing
portion is a fitting groove formed in the inner periphery of the plug
main body and engaged with the protruding portion when the fixing member
has moved to the removal position, and the engagement between the claw
and the engaged portion is released as the arm portion restores to its
original shape when the protruding portion fits to the fitting groove.

[0018] Preferably, the fixing member is rotatably held on the inner
periphery or outer periphery of the plug main body, the non-engagement
position includes an attachment position when the opening portion is
inserted into the plug main body, the ratchet mechanism permits the
fixing member to be rotated in a predetermined rotational direction in
order of the attachment position and the engagement position, and stops
the rotation of the fixing member in a reverse rotational direction
opposite to the predetermined rotational direction, and when the removal
manipulation of pulling the plug main body to the near side of the
opening of the opening portion is performed in a state where the fixing
member is at the engagement position, the claw is pressed against and
deflected by the engaged portion located on the near side thereof, and
thereby, the engagement between the claw and the engaged portion is
released to remove the plug main body from the opening portion.

[0019] Preferably, the fixing member has an extending portion that is
rotatably held on the outer periphery of the plug main body and extends
closer to the direction of the opening portion than the plug main body,
and the claw is provided at the extending portion.

[0020] Preferably, the fixing member is rotatably held on the inner
periphery of the plug main body, the claw engages a guide groove that
extends in an oblique direction from a opening portion tip position
offset in the reverse rotational direction with respect to the engaged
portion to the engaged portion, in the tip of the opening portion when
the fixing member is at the attachment position, and when the attachment
manipulation of pressing the plug main body against the opening portion
after the engagement between the claw and the guide groove is performed,
the claw moves to the engaged portion along the guide groove, and the
fixing member rotates to the engagement position from the attachment
position with the movement of the claw.

[0021] Preferably, the ratchet mechanism is provided with a rotation stop
that stops the fixing member from further rotating from the engagement
position to the predetermined rotational direction.

[0022] Preferably, the present invention provides an endoscope including a
manipulating part connected to a base end portion of an insertion part to
be inserted into a sample; a tubular opening portion that is provided in
the manipulating part and leads to a channel inserted into the insertion
part; and the plug body according to any one of the above inventions
attached to the opening portion.

[0023] In the plug body and the endoscope of the present invention, the
fixing member held by the plug main body so as to be movable to
respective positions including the engagement position where the fixing
member engages the outer periphery of the opening portion, and one or
more non-engagement positions where the fixing member does not engage the
outer periphery of the opening portion is stopped from moving again to a
position where the fixing member has moved once by the ratchet mechanism.
Thus, the fixing member cannot return to its original position after the
removal of the plug body. Thereby, since the used plug body cannot be
fixed or attached to the opening portion, reuse of the used plug body can
be prevented without being accompanied by the destroying of the plug
body. As a result, occurrence of troubles, such as entering of broken
pieces produced by the destruction into the forceps channel can be
prevented. Additionally, since it also becomes unnecessary to form a
weakened part, such as a notch, in the plug body, there is not a concern
that the weakened part is erroneously destroyed when the plug body is
attached to the opening portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a forceps plug of a first
embodiment.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an opening and a forceps plug.

[0027]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the forceps plug seen
from the downward side.

[0028]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the forceps plug seen
from the downward side.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 3, showing
a state where a fixing member is set in its incorporated location.

[0030]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 3, showing
a state where the fixing member is set at an attachment position.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 3, showing
a state where the fixing member is set at a fixed position.

[0032]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 3, showing
a state where the fixing member is set at a removal position.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the plug before attachment to the
opening.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the forceps plug seen from the
downward side after attachment to the opening.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the forceps plug when the fixing
member is set at the fixed position.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the forceps plug of FIG. 12 seen
from the downward side.

[0037] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the forceps plug when the fixing
member is set at the removal position.

[0038] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the forceps plug of FIG. 14 seen
from the downward side.

[0039] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view for explaining that reuse of the
used forceps plug becomes impossible.

[0040]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an opening and a forceps plug
of a second embodiment.

[0041]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the forceps plug of the second
embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the forceps plug of the
second embodiment.

[0043]FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the forceps plug of the second
embodiment, showing a state when a fixing member has moved to a removal
position relative to a plug main body.

[0044] FIG. 21 is an explanatory view for explaining that reuse of the
used forceps plug of the second embodiment becomes impossible.

[0045]FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an opening and a forceps plug
of a third embodiment.

[0046]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the forceps plug of the third
embodiment.

[0047]FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the forceps plug of the
third embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the forceps plug of the third
embodiment, showing a state when a fixing member has moved to a removal
position relative to a plug main body.

[0049] FIG. 26 is an explanatory view for explaining that reuse of the
used forceps plug of the third embodiment becomes impossible.

[0050]FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a forceps plug of a fourth
embodiment.

[0051]FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the forceps plug of the
fourth embodiment.

[0052]FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 27,
showing a state where a fixing member is set in its incorporated
location.

[0053]FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 27,
showing a state where the fixing member is set at an attachment position.

[0054] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 27,
showing a state where the fixing member is set at a fixed position.

[0055]FIG. 32 is an explanatory view for explaining removal processing of
the forceps plug of the fourth embodiment from the opening.

[0056]FIG. 33 is an explanatory view for explaining that reuse of the
used forceps plug of the fourth embodiment becomes impossible.

[0057]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a forceps plug of a fifth
embodiment.

[0058] FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the forceps plug of the
fifth embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the forceps plug of the fifth
embodiment.

[0061]FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view along line C-C in FIG. 36,
showing a state where a fixing member is set at an attachment position.

[0062]FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view along line C-C in FIG. 36,
showing a state where the fixing member is set at a fixed position.

[0063] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the plug before attachment to the
opening.

[0064] FIG. 41 is an explanatory view for explaining a movement path of an
engaging claw that moves along a cam groove.

[0065]FIG. 42 is the perspective view of the forceps plug of the fifth
embodiment fixed to the opening seen from the downward side.

[0066]FIG. 43 is an explanatory view for explaining removal processing of
the forceps plug of the fifth embodiment from the opening.

[0067]FIG. 44 is an explanatory view for explaining that reuse of the
used forceps plug of the fifth embodiment becomes impossible.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 10 is, for example, a bronchoscope
to be inserted into the trachea, and includes an insertion part 11 to be
inserted into the trachea, a manipulating part 12 continuously provided
at a base end portion of the insertion part 11, and a universal cord 13
connected to the manipulating part 12. The universal cord 13 is connected
to a processor device, a light source device, or the like that is not
shown.

[0069] A forceps channel 16 for allowing a treatment tool 14, such as
forceps, to be inserted therethrough is disposed within the insertion
part 11. One end of the forceps channel 16 opens at the tip face of the
insertion part 11, and the other end thereof is connected to a forceps
port 17 provided at the manipulating part 12. Additionally, the forceps
channel 16 is also used as a path for suctioning body fluids, such as
blood, solids, such as filth in the body, or the like from the opening of
the tip face of the insertion part 11. A suction channel (not shown) that
branches from the forceps channel 16 is disposed within the manipulating
part 12, and this suction channel is connected to a suction button 19
provided at the manipulating part 12.

[0070] The suction button 19 is connected to a negative pressure source
(not shown) out of the manipulating part 12. The suction button 19
switches the communication/blocking between the suction channel and the
negative pressure source by pressing manipulation or release of the
pressing manipulation.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, the forceps port 17 is mounted with a
disposable forceps plug (plug body) 21 through which the treatment tool
14 can be inserted via a forceps port opening (hereinafter simply
referred to as an opening; refer to FIGS. 3 to 5) 20 corresponding to the
opening portion of the present invention. The forceps plug 21 prevents
body fluid, filth, air, or the like in the body from flowing back within
the forceps channel 16 and leaking out to the outside from the opening
20, when a treatment is performed by the treatment tool 14.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 3 or 5, the opening 20 has an internal conduit 23
that leads to the forceps channel 16, and is fixed to an aperture of the
forceps port 17. A tip portion (hereinafter referred to as an opening tip
portion) 20a of the opening 20 protruding from this aperture is formed so
as to have a slightly smaller diameter than other portions.

[0073] A pair of protrusions 24 are formed at 180° to each other in
the outer peripheral surface of the opening tip portion 21a. A portion of
the forceps plug 21 engages the protrusions 24. Hereinafter, a direction
toward the deep side where the internal conduit is present from the
opening of the opening tip portion 20a is referred to as "downward", and
a direction toward the near side where the internal conduit is not
present from the opening of the tip portion 20a is referred to as
"upward". Additionally, the end portion and end face of each portion of
the opening 21 on the downward side are referred to as a lower end
portion and a lower end face, respectively, and the end portion and end
face of each portion on the upward side are referred to an upper end
portion and an upper end face, respectively.

[0074] The forceps plug 21 is formed from resin materials, such as
plastics. The forceps plug 21 includes a tubular plug main body 26, and a
tubular fixing member 27 rotatably held on the outer periphery of the
plug main body 26.

[0075] The plug main body 26 includes a fixing member holding portion
(hereinafter simply referred to as a holding portion) 26a that rotatably
holds the fixing member 27, and a head 26b continuously provided at the
upper end of the holding portion 26a. The holding portion 26a has an
inside insertion hole 29 into the opening tip portion 20a is inserted.
Additionally, a flange 30 is formed at a lower end portion of the outer
peripheral surface of the holding portion 26a.

[0076] The depth of the inside insertion hole 29 is formed so as to become
the same as the length of the opening 20 in the protrusions 24 in the
axial direction (hereinafter referred to as a opening axial direction).
Additionally, protrusion insertion holes 29a into which the protrusions
24 are inserted are formed integrally with the inside insertion hole 29.

[0077] A treatment tool entrance 32 coaxial with the inside insertion hole
29 is formed in the head 26b. The diameter of the treatment tool entrance
32 is formed so as to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the inside
insertion hole 29. Thereby, an opening peripheral edge portion at the
lower end of the treatment tool entrance 32 abuts on the opening tip
portion 20a inserted into the inside insertion hole 29. A slit plate 33
made of an elastic material so as to plug up the inside is provided
within the treatment tool entrance 32.

[0078] The slit plate 33 has a slit 33a at the center thereof. The slit
33ab is brought into a close contact state by an elastic force to hold a
watertight or airtight state when the treatment tool 14 is not inserted
therethrough. On the other hand, the slit 33a is brought into a state
where the inner peripheral surface of the slit is brought into close
contact with the outer peripheral surface of the treatment tool 14 by an
elastic force, to prevent the leakage caused by the backflow of a body
fluid or the like, in a state where the treatment tool 14 is inserted
therethrough. The treatment tool entrance 32 and the slit 33a are
arranged coaxially with the internal conduit 23 when the opening tip
portion 20a is inserted into the inside insertion hole 29. For this
reason, the treatment tool 14 is inserted into the forceps channel 16
through the treatment tool entrance 32, the slit 33a, and the internal
conduit 23.

[0079] The fixing member 27 has an outside insertion hole 35 located
outside the inside insertion hole 29. The holding portion 26a is inserted
from an opening at the upper end of the outside insertion hole 35, and
the opening tip portion 20a and the protrusions 24 are inserted from the
opening at the lower end of the outside insertion hole. An engagement
groove 36 that the flange 30 engages is formed in the inner peripheral
surface of the fixing member 27 that forms the outside insertion hole 35
along the circumferential direction thereof. Thereby, the fixing member
27 is rotatably held on the outer periphery of the holding portion 26a.

[0080] Additionally, the fixing member 27 has an extending portion 27a
whose lower end portion extends downward beyond the lower end portion of
the plug main body 26. The inner peripheral surface of extending portion
27a is formed with a pair of engaging claws 38 that faces each other. The
engaging claws 38 protrude toward the outer peripheral surface of the
opening tip portion 20a, and plugs up portions of the openings of the
protrusion insertion holes 29a.

[0081] A ratchet mechanism 40 that regulates the rotation of the fixing
member 27 is provided in portions of mutually opposed faces of the
holding portion 26a and the fixing member 27. The ratchet mechanism 40
includes a plurality of ratchet grooves 41 formed at an upper end portion
(hereinafter referred to as an outer peripheral surface upper end
portion) 26c of the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 26a,
a pair of ratchet claws 42 formed at 180° to each other at an
upper end portion of the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member
27, and engaging the ratchet grooves 41, and a pair of rotation stop
grooves 43 formed at 180° to each other in the outer peripheral
surface upper end portion 26c.

[0082] The ratchet grooves 41 have a shape over which the ratchet claws 42
can ride when the fixing member 27 is rotated clockwise (predetermined
rotational direction) as seen from the near side of the forceps plug 21,
but that locks the ratchet claws 42 when the fixing member is rotated
counterclockwise. Thereby, the rotational direction of the fixing member
27 is limited only to the clockwise direction. Hereinafter, the clockwise
direction is based on when seen from the near side of the forceps plug.

[0083] A pair of guide grooves 30a that leads to a pair of ratchet grooves
41 formed at 180° to each other, respectively, is formed in the
flange 30. The guide grooves 30a guide the ratchet claws 42 to the
ratchet grooves 41 when the fixing member 27 is incorporated into the
plug main body 26. Hereinafter, the ratchet grooves 41 that lead to the
guide grooves 30a are referred to "incorporating ratchet grooves 41a".

[0084] The rotation stop grooves 43 are formed at positions to pinch the
two ratchet grooves 41 therebetween in the clockwise direction with
respect to the incorporating ratchet grooves 41a. The rotation stop
grooves 43 lock the ratchet claws 42 to stop the clockwise
rotation/counterclockwise rotation of the fixing member 27.

[0085] Such a ratchet mechanism 40 allows the fixing member 27 to rotate
in the clockwise direction, to move to a total of following four
positions, that is, an incorporation position, an attachment position, a
fixed position, and a removal position in order, but stops further
movement to a position where the fixing member has moved once. In
addition, the fixed position corresponds to the engagement position of
the present invention, and the other three positions correspond to the
non-engagement position of the present invention.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 6, the incorporation position is a position where
the ratchet claws 42 guided from the guide grooves 30a engage the
incorporating ratchet grooves 41a. Accordingly, this incorporation
position is a position that is first set first when the fixing member 27
is incorporated into the plug main body 26.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, the attachment position is a position where the
ratchet claw 42 engages one adjacent ratchet groove 41 in the clockwise
direction with the incorporating ratchet grooves 41a. In the attachment
position, the engaging claws 38 are retreated from on the protrusion
insertion holes 29a. This attachment position is a position set when the
forceps plug 21 is attached to the opening tip portion 20a. In addition,
the fixing member 27 is set at the attachment position at the time of
shipment of the forceps plug 21.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 8, a fixed position is a position where the
ratchet claws 42 engage two adjacent ratchet grooves 41 in the clockwise
direction with respect to the incorporating ratchet grooves 41a. In the
fixed position, the engaging claws 38 cover portions of the protrusion
insertion holes 29a. This fixed position is a position set when the
forceps plug 21 is fixed to the opening tip portion 20a.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 9, the removal position is a position where the
ratchet claws 42 engage the rotation stop grooves 43. In the removal
position, the engaging claws 38 are retreated from on the protrusion
insertion holes 29a. This removal position is a position set when the
forceps plug 21 is removed from the opening tip portion 20a.

[0090] Returning to FIG. 5, an unused mark 45a indicating that the forceps
plug 21 is unused and a used mark 45b indicating the forceps plug 21 is
used are formed at the upper end face of the fixing member 27. The unused
mark 45a is exposed to the outside when the fixing member 27 is at the
attachment position, and is covered with the plug main body 26 at the
other positions. The used mark 45b is exposed to the outside when the
fixing member 27 is at the removal position, and is covered with the plug
main body 26 at the other positions. In addition, the form and forming
position of the unused mark 45a and the used mark 45b may be
appropriately changed.

[0091] Next, the attachment and removal processing of the forceps plug 21
of the above configuration will be described. The fixing member 27 of the
forceps plug 21 is set at the attachment position in the stage of the
shipment from a maker. Thereby, the plug main body 26 and the fixing
member 27 become inseparable. Additionally, since the unused mark 45a is
exposed to the outside when the fixing member 27 is set at the attachment
position, it is possible to easily discriminate that the forceps plug 21
is unused.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10, positioning of the forceps plug 21 is
performed so that the center of the outside insertion hole 35 and the
center of the inside insertion hole 29 coincide with the center of the
opening tip portion 20a, and the protrusions 24 and the protrusion
insertion holes 29a coincide with each other. After this positioning, the
forceps plug 21 is pressed against the opening tip portion 20a. Thereby,
the opening tip portion 20a and the protrusions 24 are inserted into the
inside insertion hole 29 and the protrusion insertion holes 29a through
the outside insertion hole 35, respectively.

[0093] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the fixing member 27 is rotated
clockwise (counterclockwise in the drawing) from the attachment position,
and is sets at the fixed position as shown in FIG. 12. Thereby, as shown
in FIG. 13, the engaging claws 38 are t moved so as to cover portions of
the protrusion insertion holes 29a, and the engaging claws 38 and the
protrusions 24 engage each other. The forceps plug 21 is fixed to the
opening 20 in this way.

[0094] The attachment processing of the forceps plug 21 is completed
above. Then, after the insertion part 11 is inserted into the trachea of
a patient, the treatment tool 14 is inserted into the forceps channel 16
from the forceps plug 21, and various kinds of treatment are performed.
After all examination and medical treatment by the endoscope 10 including
treatment by the treatment tool 14 (simply referred to as endoscopic
examination and treatment) are completed, the removal processing of the
forceps plug 21 is started.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 14, the fixing member 27 is rotated clockwise, and
is set at the removal position from the fixed position. Thereby, as shown
in FIG. 15, the engagement between the engaging claws 38 and the
protrusions 24 is released to allow the removal of the forceps plug 21
from the opening 20. Next, the forceps plug 21 is removed from the
opening 20 by manipulating to pull the forceps plug 21 upward.

[0096] Additionally, when the fixing member 27 is set at the removal
position, the ratchet claws 42 are locked to the rotation stop grooves
43. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 16, it becomes impossible to rotate the
fixing member 27 clockwise and counterclockwise, the fixing member 27
cannot be again set at the fixed position. As a result, since it becomes
impossible to fix the forceps plug 21 to the opening 20, reuse of the
forceps plug 21 is prevented. Moreover, since the used mark 45b is
exposed to the outside, it is possible to easily discriminate that the
forceps plug 21 is a used plug.

[0097] Reuse of the forceps plug 21 can be prevented by providing the
forceps plug 21 with the ratchet mechanism 40 without being accompanied
by destruction of the forceps plug 21. Thereby, occurrence of troubles,
such as entering of broken pieces produced by the destruction into the
forceps channel 16 can be prevented. Additionally, since it becomes
unnecessary to form a weakened part, such as a notch, a weakened part is
no longer erroneously destroyed when the forceps plug 21 is attached to
the opening 20.

Second Embodiment

[0098] Next, an endoscope of a second embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. Although the forceps
plug 21 of the above first embodiment is provided with the rotary ratchet
mechanism 40, a slide type ratchet mechanism is provided at the forceps
plug in the second embodiment. In addition, the same components as the
first embodiment in terms of functions and configuration are designated
by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0099] The endoscope of the second embodiment fundamentally has the same
configuration as the endoscope 10 of the first embodiment except that the
flange 49 is formed at the tip of the opening tip portion 20a, and a
forceps plug 50 different from the first embodiment is provided.

[0100] The forceps plug 50 is formed from resin materials, such as
plastics, and includes a tubular plug main body 51 and a tubular fixing
member 52 slidably held on the inner peripheral side of this plug main
body 51.

[0101] The plug main body 51 includes a holding portion 51a that holds the
fixing member 52 in a sliding movable manner in the opening axial
direction, and a head 51b that has the treatment tool entrance 32 and the
slit plate 33. The holding portion 51a has an outside insertion hole 54
into the opening tip portion 20a is inserted. The fixing member 52 is
slidably held at the upper end portion of the outside insertion hole 54.

[0102] The fixing member 52 has an inside insertion hole 55 into which the
opening tip portion 20a is inserted. A pair of arm portions 56 is formed
at 180° to each other at the fixing member 52 by cutting out a
portion of the fixing member. The arm portions 56 have a shape that
extends long in the opening axial direction, and the lower end portions
thereof become free end. The lower end portions of the arm portions 56
protrude downward beyond the lower end portion of the fixing member 52.
Additionally, the lower end portion of each arm portion 56 is provided
with an engaging claw 57 that protrudes toward the central axis of the
fixing member 52 and an unfixing claw 58 that protrudes downward.

[0103] The engaging claw 57 covers a portion of an opening of the inside
insertion hole 55, and engages the flange 49 of the opening tip portion
20a inserted into the inside insertion hole 55. The tip face of the
unfixing claw 58 forms an inclined face 58a that inclines to the downward
side gradually as being away from the central axis of the fixing member
52.

[0104] The inner peripheral surface of the holding portion 51a and the
outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 52 is provided with a slide
type ratchet mechanism 59. The ratchet mechanism 59 includes ratchet
claws 60 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 52,
and ratchet gear teeth 61 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the
holding portion 51a. The ratchet claws 60 are formed at 180° to
each other at the upper end portion of the outer peripheral surface of
the fixing member 52.

[0105] The ratchet gear teeth 61 are formed at 180° to each other
at the upper end portion of the inner peripheral surface of the holding
portion 51a. The ratchet gear teeth 61 engage the ratchet claws 60 to
maintain a state where the upper end face of the fixing member 52 abuts
on the head 51b. Additionally, the ratchet gear teeth 61 allow the
ratchet claws 60 to ride thereover to the downward side, but stop the
ratchet claws 60 that have ridden over the ratchet gear teeth 61 from
returning to their original positions.

[0106] Such a ratchet mechanism 59 allows the fixing member 52 to move in
order of the following fixed position and removal position, but stops
movement of the fixing member 52 once moved to the removal position, to
the fixed position.

[0107] The fixed position is a position where the ratchet claws 60 engage
the ratchet gear teeth 61. In addition, in the fixed position of the
second embodiment, attachment of the forceps plug 50 to the opening 20 is
also performed. Additionally, the removal position is a position where
the ratchet claws 60 have moved to the downward side of the ratchet gear
teeth 61 (refer to FIG. 20).

[0108] Recesses 63 are formed at positions that face the arm portions 56
in the inner peripheral surface of the holding portion 51a. Additionally,
an unfixing claw 64 (unfixing portion) that protrudes toward the unfixing
claw 58 is formed in the wall face of each recess 63 on the downward
side. The tip face of the unfixing claw 64 becomes an inclined face 64a
that becomes substantially parallel to an inclined face 58a. The inclined
face 64a is close to the unfixing claw 58 of the fixing member 52 at the
fixed position.

[0109] Next, the attachment and removal processing of the forceps plug 50
of the above configuration will be described. In addition, the fixing
member 52 is set at the fixed position in the stage of the shipment from
a maker.

[0110] First, positioning of the forceps plug 50 is performed so that the
center of the outside insertion hole 54 and the center of the inside
insertion hole 55 coincide with the center of the opening tip portion
20a. Next the forceps plug 50 is pressed against the opening tip portion
20a. Thereby, the engaging claws 57 are pressed by the flange 49, and the
arm portions 56 are curved in the shape of a circular arc in a direction
away from the outer peripheral surface of the opening tip portion 20a.
Then, the pressing manipulation is continued until the flange 49 rides
over the engaging claws 57.

[0111] If the flange 49 rides over the engaging claws 57, the arm portions
56 restore to their original shape. Thereby, the engaging claws 57 engage
the flange 49. The forceps plug 50 is fixed to the opening 20 in this
way. The attachment processing of the forceps plug 50 is completed above.
Then, after the endoscopic examination and treatment are completed, the
removal processing of the forceps plug 50 is started.

[0112] Since the engagement between the flange 49 and the engaging claws
57 is maintained if pulling manipulation of the plug main body 51 is
performed, the ratchet claws 60 ride over the ratchet gear teeth 61 and
move to the downward side after the engagement between the ratchet claws
60 and the ratchet gear teeth 61 is released. Thereby, as shown in FIG.
20, the fixing member 52 moves the removal position relative to the plug
main body 51.

[0113] As the fixing member 52 moves to the removal position, the inclined
faces 64a of the unfixing claws 64 are brought into pressure contact with
the inclined faces 58a of the unfixing claws 58. Thereby, the arm
portions 56 are curved in the shape of a circular arc away from the outer
peripheral surface of the opening tip portion 20a, whereby the engagement
between the engaging claws 57 and the flange 49 is released. In this way,
the removal of the forceps plug 50 from the opening 20 is allowed. By
continuing the pulling manipulation, the forceps plug 50 is removed from
the opening 20.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 21, the movement of the fixing member 52 of the
forceps plug 50 to the fixed position is regulated by the ratchet gear
teeth 61. As a result, since it becomes impossible to fix the forceps
plug 50 to the opening 20, reuse of the forceps plug 50 is prevented.
Thereby, the same effects as the first embodiment are obtained.

Third Embodiment

[0115] Next, an endoscope of a third embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 24. In the forceps plug
50 of the above second embodiment, unfixing claws 64 release the
engagement between the engaging claws 57 and the flange 49. However, in
the third embodiment, the engagement between both is released using the
restoring force of the arm portions. In addition, since the third
embodiment fundamentally has the same configuration as the second
embodiment, the same components as those of the second embodiment in
terms of functions and configuration are designated by the same reference
numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0116] A forceps plug 70 includes a tubular plug main body 71, a tubular
fixing member 72 slidably held on the inner peripheral side of the plug
main body 71, and the ratchet mechanism 59. The plug main body 71
includes a holding portion 71a that slidably holds the fixing member 72
in the opening axial direction, and a head 71b that has the treatment
tool entrance 32 and the slit plate 33.

[0117] The fixing member 72 fundamentally has the same configuration as
the fixing member 52 of the second embodiment except that protruding
portions 74 are provided at the lower end portions of the arm portions 56
instead of the unfixing claws 58. The protruding portions 74 protrude
toward the inner peripheral surface of the holding portion 71a. The
protruding portions 74 are formed so as to be sufficiently longer the
distance between the inner peripheral surface of the holding portion 71a,
and the arm portions 56 in a natural state. Thereby, the protruding
portions 74 receives the pressing from the inner peripheral surface of
the holding portion 71a, and deflect the arm portions 56 substantially in
the shape of a circular arc toward the opening tip portion 20a. As a
result, the engaging claws 57 can be maintained in a state where the
engaging claws are engaged with the flange 49.

[0118] Similarly the second embodiment, the ratchet mechanism 59 allows
the fixing member 72 to move in order of the following fixed position and
removal position, but stops movement of the fixing member 72 moved to the
removal position, to the fixed position.

[0119] The holding portion 71a fundamentally has the same configuration as
the holding portion 51a of the first embodiment. However, fitting grooves
75 to which the protruding portions 74 fit are formed in the inner
peripheral surface of the holding portion 71a instead of the recesses 63
and the unfixing claws 64. The fitting grooves 75 are formed at positions
where the protruding portions 74 fit when the fixing member 72 has moved
to the removal position relative to the holding portion 71a.

[0120] Next, the attachment and removal processing of the forceps plug 70
of the above configuration will be described. In addition, the attachment
processing of the forceps plug 70 is fundamentally the same as that of
the second embodiment. However, since the protruding portions 74 abut on
the inner peripheral surface of the holding portion 71a, attachment of
the forceps plug 70 is allowed as the engaging claws 57 are pressed and
elastically deformed by the flange 49 at the time of the pressing
manipulation of the forceps plug 70. Then, after the endoscopic
examination and treatment are completed, the removal processing of the
forceps plug 70 is started.

[0121] If the pulling manipulation of the plug main body 71 is performed
as shown in FIG. 25, the fixing member 72 moves to the removal position
relative to the plug main body 71 by the engagement between the flange 49
and the engaging claws 57. Thereby, as the protruding portions 74 fit
into the fitting grooves 75 and the arm portions 56 restore to their
original shape, the engagement between the flange 49 and the engaging
claws 57 is released. By continuing the pulling manipulation, the forceps
plug 70 is removed from the opening 20.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 26, since the movement of the fixing member 72 of
the forceps plug 70 to the fixed position is regulated by the ratchet
gear teeth 59, reuse of the forceps plug 70 is prevented similarly to the
second embodiment. Thereby, the same effects as the first embodiment are
obtained.

Fourth Embodiment

[0123] Next, an endoscope of a fourth embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 29. In the above first
embodiment, reuse of the forceps plug 21 is prevented by not allowing the
used forceps plug 21 to be fixed to opening 20. In contrast, in the
fourth embodiment, reuse of the forceps plug is prevented by stopping the
attachment of a used forceps plug to the opening 20.

[0124] The endoscope of the fourth embodiment fundamentally has the same
configuration as the endoscope 10 of the first embodiment except that the
lower end faces of the protrusions 24 become inclined faces 24a that
incline to the upward side gradually as being away from the central axis
of the opening 20, and a different forceps plug 80 different from the
first embodiment is provided. In addition, the same components as the
first embodiment in terms of functions and configuration are designated
by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0125] The forceps plug 80 includes the plug main body 26 and the fixing
member 27, and a ratchet mechanism 81 different from the first
embodiment. However, the upper end faces of the engaging claws 38 becomes
inclined faces 38a substantially parallel to the inclined faces 24a.

[0126] The ratchet mechanism 81 includes the ratchet grooves 41 formed in
the outer peripheral surface upper end portion 26c, the pair of
incorporating ratchet grooves 41a, the pair of rotation stop grooves 43,
and the pair of ratchet claws 42 formed on the inner peripheral surface
of the fixing member 27. Additionally, in the ratchet mechanism 81, when
the ratchet claws 42 engage the rotation stop grooves 43, the position of
the rotation stop grooves 43 is changed so that the engaging claws 38
cover portions of the openings of the protrusion insertion holes 29a.
Moreover, one ratchet groove 41 is formed between the incorporating
ratchet groove 41a and the rotation stop groove 43.

[0127] Such a ratchet mechanism 81 allows the fixing member 27 to rotate
in the clockwise direction, to move to a total of following three
positions, that is, an incorporation position, an attachment position,
and a fixed position in order, but stops further movement to a position
where the fixing member has moved once.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 29, similarly to the first embodiment, the
incorporation position is a position where the ratchet claws 42 engage
the incorporating ratchet grooves 41a. As shown in FIG. 30, the
attachment position is a position where the ratchet claws 42 engage the
ratchet grooves 41, and is a position set when the forceps plug 80 is
attached to the opening tip portion 20a.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 31, the fixed position is a position where the
ratchet claws 42 engage the rotation stop grooves 43. The fixed position
is a position set when the forceps plug 80 is fixed to the opening tip
portion 20a, and the engaging claws 38 cover portions of the protrusion
insertion holes 29a at this position.

[0130] Next, the attachment and removal processing of the forceps plug 80
of the above configuration will be described. In addition, since the
attachment processing of the forceps plug 80 is fundamentally the same as
the first embodiment, the specific description thereof is omitted herein.
However, since the ratchet claws 42 are locked to the rotation stop
grooves 43 when the fixing member 27 is set at the fixed position, the
fixing member 27 cannot be rotated in any direction of the clockwise
direction and the counterclockwise direction. Then, after the endoscopic
examination and treatment are completed, the removal processing of the
forceps plug 80 is started.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 32, if the pulling manipulation of the plug main
body 26 is performed, the inclined faces 38a of the engaging claws 38 are
pressed against the inclined faces 24a of the protrusions 24, and the
engaging claws 38 are deflected downward in the shape of a circular arc.
If the pulling manipulation is continued against the elastic force of the
engaging claws 38, the amount of deflection of the engaging claws 38
increases gradually. If the amount of deflection of the engaging claws 38
exceeds a certain value, the engagement between the engaging claws 38 and
the protrusions 24 is released, and the forceps plug 80 is removed from
the opening 20.

[0132] Since the fixing member 27 of the forceps plug 80 removed from the
opening 20 is locked at the fixed position as shown in FIG. 33, portions
of the openings of the protrusion insertion holes 29a remain covered with
the engaging claws 38. For this reason, since the protrusions 24
interferes with the engaging claws 38 when the opening tip portion 20a is
inserted into the inside insertion hole 29, the opening tip portion 20a
cannot be advanced to the inner part of the inside insertion hole 29. As
a result, since the forceps plug 80 cannot be attached to the opening 20,
reuse of the forceps plug 80 is prevented. Thereby, the same effects as
the first embodiment are obtained.

Fifth Embodiment

[0133] Next, an endoscope of a fifth embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 34 to 37. In the above fourth
embodiment, the fixing member 27 is set at the fixed position from the
attachment position by manual operation. In contrast, in the fifth
embodiment, the fixing member is automatically set at the fixed position
when the forceps plug is attached to the opening.

[0134] The endoscope of the fifth embodiment fundamentally has the same
configuration as the fourth embodiment except that an opening 86 and a
forceps plug 87 different from the fourth embodiment are provided. The
same components as those of the above fourth embodiment in terms of
functions and structure are designated by the same reference numerals,
and the description thereof is omitted.

[0135] The opening 86 has an opening tip portion 86a different from the
fourth embodiment. A pair of rails 88 and a pair of cam grooves 89 are
alternately formed at pitches of 90° in the outer peripheral
surface of the opening tip portion 86a. Additionally, an annular groove
90 is formed in the rear end of the opening tip portion 86a.

[0136] The rails 88 have a shape that extends long so as to run along the
opening axial direction toward the annular groove 90 from the tip of the
opening tip portion 86a.

[0137] Each cam groove 89 includes a guide portion 89a and an engaged
portion 89b. The guide portion 89a offsets in the clockwise direction
beyond this tip, from the tip of the opening tip portion 86a, and extends
in a substantially oblique direction to a position near the annular
groove 90. The engaged portion 89b extends along the clockwise direction
from the end point of the guide portion 89a. In both the wall faces that
form the engaged portion 89b, a wall face on the upward side an inclined
face 91a that inclines to the upward side gradually away from the central
axis of the opening 86, and the wall face on the downward side becomes a
vertical face 91b.

[0138] The forceps plug 87 includes a tubular plug main body 93, and a
tubular fixing member 94 rotatably held free on the inner peripheral side
of the plug main body 93. The plug main body 93 includes a holding
portion 93a that rotatably holds the fixing member 94, and a head 93b
that has the treatment tool entrance 32 and the slit plate 33.

[0139] The holding portion 93a has an outside insertion hole 95 into which
the opening tip portion 86a is inserted. An inner surface that forms the
opening of the outside insertion hole 95 is formed with a pair of body
projections 97 that engages the rails 88, and a pair of body claws 98
that engages the annular groove 90.

[0140] The fixing member 94 has an inside insertion hole 100 into which
the opening tip portion 86a is inserted. The inner peripheral surface of
the fixing member 94 is formed with a pair of engaging claws 101 that
engages the cam grooves 89 at 180° to each other. Additionally,
the upper end faces of the engaging claws 101 become inclined faces 91a
substantially parallel to the inclined faces 101a.

[0141] A rotary ratchet mechanism 102 is provided between the inner
peripheral surface of the holding portion 93a and the outer peripheral
surface of the fixing member 94. The ratchet mechanism 102 includes a
pair of ratchet claws 103 formed at 180° to each other on the
outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 94, a pair of claw
engagement grooves 104 (refer to FIG. 38) that is formed in the inner
peripheral surface of the holding portion 93a and that the ratchet claws
103 engage, and ratchet gear teeth 105 (refer to FIG. 38) formed in the
claw engagement grooves 104.

[0142] The ratchet gear teeth 105 maintains a state where each ratchet
claw 103 abuts on one end portion of each claw engagement groove 104 in
the counterclockwise direction (refer to FIG. 38). Additionally, the
ratchet gear teeth 105 allow each ratchet claw 103 to move to the other
end portion of the claw engagement groove 104 in the clockwise direction,
but stop the ratchet claw to returning to the one end portion from the
other end portion.

[0143] Such a ratchet mechanism 102 allows the fixing member 27 to rotate
in the clockwise direction, to move to a total of following two
positions, that is, an attachment position, and a fixed position in
order, but stops further movement to a position where the fixing member
has moved once.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 38, the attachment position is a position when
each ratchet claw 103 is at the one end portion of each claw engagement
groove 104. In this attachment position, the body projections 97 and the
engaging claws 101 are alternately arranged at pitch intervals of
90°. In addition, the fixing member 94 is set at the attachment
position at the time of shipment of the forceps plug 87.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 39, the fixed position is a position when each
ratchet claw 103 is at the other end portion of each claw engagement
groove 104. This fixed position is adjusted so that the engaging claws
101 and the engaged portions 89b are located on the same straight line
parallel to the opening axial direction when the body projections 97
engage the rails 88.

[0146] Next, the attachment and removal processing of the forceps plug 87
of the above configuration will be described. In addition, the fixing
member 94 is set at the attachment position in the stage of the shipment
from a maker. As shown by the number (1) in parentheses of FIGS. 40 and
41, positioning of the forceps plug 87 is performed so that the body
projections 97 and the engaging claws 101 are respectively located on the
rails 88 and guide portions 89a of the opening tip portion 86a.

[0147] After the positioning of the forceps plug 87, the forceps plug 87
is pressed against the opening tip portion 86a. Thereby, the opening tip
portion 86a is inserted into the outside insertion hole 95 and the inside
insertion hole 100, and the body projections 97 and the engaging claws
101 are guided into the rails 88 and the guide portions 89a,
respectively. When the pressing manipulation of the forceps plug 87 is
continued, the forceps plug 87 moves downward along the rails 88 by the
engagement between the body projections 97 and the rails 88.

[0148] As shown by the number (2) in parentheses of FIG. 41, the engaging
claws 101 move obliquely downward toward the engaged portions 89b along
the guide portions 89a with the downward movement of the forceps plug 87.
Thereby, a force is applied to the fixing member 94 in the clockwise
direction. This force increases as the travel distance of the forceps
plug 87 increases.

[0149] If the pressing manipulation of the forceps plug 87 is continued as
shown by the number (3) in parentheses of FIG. 41, the ratchet claws 103
rise over the ratchet gear teeth 105, move to the other end portions of
the claw engagement grooves 104, and the fixing member 94 is set at the
fixed position. Additionally, the engaging claws 101 are guided into the
engaged portions 89b from the guide portions 89a, and engage the engaged
portions 89b. Then, if the engaging claws 101 abut on vertical faces 91b
of the engaged portions 89b, further downward movement of the forceps
plug 87 is regulated.

[0150] Additionally, the body claws 98 engage the annular grooves 90 as
shown in FIG. 42 until the engaging claws 101 abut on the vertical faces
91b. Thereby, the forceps plug 87 is fixed to the opening 86. Since the
fixing member 94 can be automatically set at the fixed position when the
forceps plug 87 is attached to the opening 86, a user can save manual
setting time and efforts.

[0151] The attachment processing of the forceps plug 87 is completed
above. Then, after the endoscopic examination and treatment are all
completed, the removal processing of the forceps plug 87 is started.

[0152] If the pulling manipulation of the forceps plug 87 is performed as
shown in FIG. 43, the engagement between the body claws 98 and the
annular groove 90 is released, and the forceps plug 87 moves upward along
the rails 88.

[0153] If the pulling manipulation of the forceps plug 87 is continued, as
shown by the number (4) in parentheses in FIG. 41, the inclined faces
101a of the engaging claws 101 are pressed against the inclined faces 91a
of the engaged portions 89b, and the engaging claws 101 are deflected
downward in the shape of a circular arc. Moreover, if the pulling
manipulation is continued against the elastic force of the engaging claws
101, the engaging claws 101 ride over the outer peripheral surface of the
opening tip portion 86a from the inclined faces 91a, and separate from
the tip of the opening tip portion 86a. Thereby, the forceps plug 87 is
removed from the opening 20.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 44, the fixing member 94 of the used forceps plug
87 cannot be returned to the attachment position from the fixed position
by the ratchet mechanism 102. For this reason, if the alignment between
the rails 88 and the body projections 97 is performed when the used
forceps plug 87 is attached to the opening 86, positional deviation
occurs between the guide portions 89a and the engaging claws 101. As a
result, since the opening tip portion 86a interferes with the engaging
claws 101, the forceps plug 87 cannot be attached to the opening 86.
Thereby, since reuse of the forceps plug 87 is prevented, the same
effects as the first embodiment are obtained.

[0155] In the above respective embodiments, description has been made
taking the rotary or slide type ratchet mechanism as an example. However,
in a structure where the fixing member cannot be returned to a position
where the fixing member has moved once, the type or configuration is not
particularly limited. Additionally, in the rotary ratchet mechanism of
the above first, fourth, and fifth embodiments, the rotation of the
fixing member in the clockwise direction is permitted and the rotation of
the fixing member in the counterclockwise direction is stopped, and vice
versa.

[0156] In the above respective embodiments, description has been made
taking the forceps plug 21 to be attached to the opening 21 of the
forceps port 17 as an example. However, the present invention can also be
applied to a forceps plug to be directly mounted on the aperture of the
forceps port 17.

[0157] In the above respective embodiments, description has been made
taking the forceps plug 21 to be attached to the opening 20 that leads to
the forceps channel 16 as an example. For example, however, the present
invention can be applied to various kinds of channels disposed inside the
endoscope 10, such as a suction channel and water supply and air supply
channels, or a plug body for an endoscope to be attached to a opening
portion that leads to a conduit.

[0158] In the above respective embodiments, description has been made by
taking the endoscope 10 to be inserted into the trachea as an example.
For example, however, the present invention can be applied to various
endoscopes for medical purposes, such as a large-intestine endoscope to
be inserted into the large intestine, an endoscope used for other
applications, such as an industrial application, and the like.